At the Mountain

At the Mountain

Dear Friends,

This week as we gather with our ancestors in the wilderness of Sinai, much is revealed even before we stand at the mountain:

Camped together, we are shown that we are in relationship with all people across religious and cultural boundaries. We need each other, we learn from each other, we help each other find our way.

We are also instructed that earth herself is holy and her seasons and offerings are our abiding guides.

It is before dawn when we stand at the mountain
Thunder and lightning fill the sky.
A dense cloud appears.
Flames cover the mountain.
The earth trembles, a shofar wails.
And then there is silence.

A silence so full there is nothing else.

In the silence,
All creation disappears,
And there is only One,
Singular, solitary,
Only One.
Then the wind returns,
We are back at the mountain
Amid fire and smoke
And our trembling hearts.

And we hear,
Something that will help us
Remember that beyond all distinction
Beyond our uniqueness, our differences,
Is the One.

We hear
Something that will help us remember
That we are responsible for and to each other
And we are here to live in reverent relationship
With all beings, with all life.

Elohim speaks these words, saying:

1. I am. I was. I will be. I am the Continual Unfolding of All.

I am the force of transformation, the energy of liberation that opens the expanse.

2. Do not give yourself to false gods. Do not worship what you make with your own hands. Be aware of what you worship through your actions and choices.

3. Do not lift up my essence for lies and deceit. Do not use my name to justify destruction.

4. Remember Shabbat and keep it holy. Stop. Pause. Be.

Honor creation. Rest and allow others to rest as well.

5. Honor your parents. Honor those upon whose shoulders you stand.

6. Do not murder.

7. Do not betray.

8. Do not steal.

9. Do not lie. Do not use words to hurt or destroy.

10. Do not be led astray by comparing yourself to others. Do not get lost in desiring what others have. Be content, be fulfilled with what your life brings. (Exodus 20:1-14)

May these ancient calls guide us in becoming beings that bring mending and healing to this fractured and precious world.

Shalom,

Rabbi Yael

Listen to the recordings from this week's Torah Study and from today's Morning Meditation Sit.

-- Rabbi Yael Levy